Sparrow Lounge 0-2yrs approx.

Sparrow Lounge is a gentle, nurturing space for our youngest tamariki, with a maximum of 14 children supported by four kaiako who are deeply attuned to each child’s cues, rhythms, and needs. Here, the child leads the way — their signals, emotions, and interests shape how we care, respond, and create meaningful learning moments.
Relationships are at the heart of our philosophy. We listen with intention, honour each child’s world, and work closely with whānau to create a sense of security and belonging. Three permanent kaiako anchor the lounge, providing warm, consistent care with teaching ratios of 1:4 for toddlers and 1:3 for infants, ensuring every child is held with aroha and respect.

Primary Caregiving

At Weka, we honour the belief that tamariki flourish when they feel loved, secure, and deeply connected. Primary caregiving allows us to create this sense of belonging through strong, trusting relationships where the child, whānau, and kaiako are all valued equally.
Each child is supported by a dedicated primary kaiako who lovingly holds their care routines, special moments, and daily rhythms. This close relationship ensures we truly know your child and can nurture both their emotional needs and your family’s aspirations.
A secondary kaiako also forms a meaningful relationship with your child, providing additional security and familiarity within the lounge. Together, this caregiving team creates a safe, predictable, and nurturing foundation where your precious taonga can grow with confidence and joy.

Free Movement

At Weka, we believe tamariki flourish when they are free to explore, play, move, and make choices in their own time and their own way. Our environment honours the child’s body — we never place children in positions they are not yet able to reach themselves.
By allowing movement to unfold naturally, we support the development of strength, balance, coordination, and confidence. This respectful approach ensures children grow as they are mentally, physically, and emotionally ready, nurturing a deep trust in their own abilities.

Peaceful Messages of Care & Nature

At Weka, the wisdom of Nature and Nurture flows together, guiding children to explore the world through real, authentic, and open-ended materials. Loose parts and sensory-rich experiences invite tamariki to engage fully with their environment — feeling textures, noticing smells, listening closely, observing beauty, and safely tasting the world around them. Through these encounters, children uncover possibilities, follow their curiosity, and make discoveries that are uniquely their own.
Our strong love for outdoor education is lived every day, grounded in our belief that “there is no such thing as bad weather — just bad clothing.” This philosophy ensures tamariki build resilience, develop a deep relationship with Papatūānuku, and experience the awe and joy of nature in all seasons.

Unhurried Approaches

In the Sparrow Lounge, we treasure unhurried, peaceful moments with tamariki. These slow, intentional interactions allow children to feel truly seen, valued, and involved in decisions about their own wellbeing and learning.
We strive to be fully present — “in the moment” — during every care routine. Whether it’s a nappy change, bottle, moe (sleep) time, or kai time, we follow each child’s cues, offer gentle invitations, and communicate with warmth and respect. By observing sensitively and providing predictable, consistent rhythms, we nurture a deep sense of trust, security, and belonging for every child in our care.

See Some Examples
View More